Live Fast, Die Young

....The movie was terrific from several points. One, it was a serious study into today's mindless culture, the pressures at play, the friends who seem to drag you down, and the sheer emptiness of taking the easier course. Life and relationships take work.

This story shows that with just one person caring enough to help another, and with determination, even repeated failures, that one can overcome our natural tendencies and strive for a God-centered life. Most of us are "I" centered, seeking rationalization why we need something better for ourselves. Only God can change your heart to not love the things of this world. This was beautifully portrayed in the film and is the basis of reality both in the world, and in God's design. It shouldn't surprise us to learn of this truth. This was fundamentally seen throughout the movie, I thought.

Secondly, the film was quite serious, but was also interlaced with comedic moments, which helped to reduce the pressure and tone. Well done! The film kept moving, yet, did not feel rushed. The pace was about spot on.

Thirdly, I loved the ending…not just for the way it turned out, but how the writers and direction took the time to tell the story about each relationship and how the healing came full circle. (I still tremble at one character who tells about his past).

This is the most beautiful movie I've ever seen.

A lot of things have been said about this fantastic movie, and I only hope to add a few praises.

The character who plays 'big Mack' is fantastic as David's best friend and deserves at least a Spirit nomination simply for the scene in the end. While the actress who plays the conniving assistant is great as well. However, it's got to be the agent and studio producer who steal the show with their hilarious Hollywood antics (I felt they were really at a Hollywood party and I would be scared to approach them...)

Great message movie from beginning to end. I truly believe it is a terrific film that will change hearts for God.

Another amazing thing about this movie is definitely the acting. Even if the lack of a big- budget set was not terrific, this movie still would have made my top ten list. I was captivated from beginning to end. If your looking for a typical Hollywood movie with a Hollywood ending, then do not bother spending two hours on this movie. This movie is ahead of it's time, and lands an easy 10 out of 10.

This one is a keeper in my movie library.

What makes this film rise above the rest is the character development. Every character in this film is three-dimensional. They all change, in one way or another, by the end of the film. Whether or not things remain the way they are long after this film ends is unknown, and that adds to the drama. The most important scene in this film is when the characters, as a group, all open up to one-another and describe the hell that their lives in Hollywood bring. Nobody likes the role they must inevitably portray in the Hollywood scene, but the fact is, it is often inescapable. This film gives the viewer some insight into how the other people around them might have felt during that particular time in their lives.

First word for this film is powerful, but that alone is not enough to describe the feelings i have after watching it.

'Live Fast, Die Young' is a fantastic movie in almost every way, its writing is fantastic with amazing dialogue and well fleshed out characters who you really care about. The acting is fantastic from every actor involved. But what's so surprising is that it's a faith-based film in the end. Who would ever believe a Hollywood movie discussing God at such lengths? Bravo to the producers.

Overall, I thought this movie was believable and touching, without your typical ending. The cast and the filmmakers really have done themselves proud. My advice: Forget the dove awards, the rave reviews, the pretty faces, and sit down to watch this movie with a completely impartial attitude. You will see that it really is beautiful and remarkable.

By the way, I very VERY rarely cry at movies. But if there's any scene that will have me in tears, it's the one where the actor playing the slick agent finally breaks down and starts to cry. That's saying something! This film burns slowly, inside you.

'Live Fast Die Young' looks at Hollywood from the eyes of a former 'insider'. Even though I'm not a part of 'Hollywood', I found it totally gripping. It's very much a character driven piece and while many argue that the all of them are self-absorbed, who isn't at least a little self-absorbed in this industry? All ten characters are of distinct personalities and even though they are a little clichéd (Hollywood starlet, agent), they remain real and are well played. The friends include:

-Valerie - who is so desperately trying to win a part in some movie. The actress who plays her is really talented.

-David (who is marvelously played by Gary Poux) is the unforgettable writer who is turning his back on the industry and gave his life to Jesus Christ.

-Alex Embry who is the self-destructive agent trying to get this writer back into Hollywood.

-The Movie producer who is climbing the ladders of success and finding only emptiness

-The Movie mogul who reveals his agenda in controlling the media

-The Marketing VP - who is fired and then forced to confront her future

-The A-list star - who reveals his own emptiness in a profound way

-Big Man - the struggling screenwriter who discovers in the end the true meaning of life.

The actors are brilliantly cast as they fit the parts physically (the right age and looks) and deliver sincere performances. I won't single anyone out as I thought they all did excellent.

These Hollywood parties are known to be a wild and reckless and the film's jazz music wonderfully adds to the feel that this is a major party.

Everyone will recognize at least a couple of the conflicts the characters face. I loved the way it ended. Instead, what is shown is that the characters are aware that Jesus Christ can change people's live and now it is time to grow up and to build our own lives while an uncertain future awaits. It's a great movie.